Big Little Music Competition

Discover tomorrow's chamber music talent

After three successful editions, the Big Little Music Competition is once again bringing together chamber music ensembles at the start of a very promising career. In the semi-finals and final, you’ll hear how they are developing their own musical voice. The jury, led by harpist Anneleen Lenaerts, is following their progress closely.

Join us for a listen, see their performance take shape up close, and help decide the audience prize for tomorrow's chamber music talent.

The competition

The Big Little Music Competition is the chamber music competition organised by Muziekcentrum De Bijloke in Ghent. Masterpieces from three centuries of chamber music and music-making that will keep you on the edge of your seat: these are the ingredients of this fourth edition of the competition.

The jury is chaired by Anneleen Lenaerts. The winning ensemble will be awarded a full concert at Muziekcentrum De Bijloke at Big Little Music 2028 and a concert at the MIM Brussels Lunch Concerts.

The finalists are also in with a chance of winning the audience prize, sponsored by vdk bank.

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Who?

Competition open to chamber music ensembles of any nationality
Musicians must be at least 18 years old (the average age limit of the ensemble is 30 years)
Size of the ensemble is unlimited

Terms & regulations

Let's (en)roll!

In order to enroll, you need:

A programme for the semifinal (30')
A programme for the final (30')
A link to a music video featuring your ensemble
A link to a video of a short pitch (maximum 2’) introducing yourselves and your ensemble.

Register now

Calendar

We 10.06.2026 – We 30.09.2026 (23:59) online registration
Mo 07.12.2026 results preselection
Th 28.01.2027 10:00 – 17:00 semifinals
Fr 29.01.2027 11:00 – 16:00 masterclasses semifinalists
Fr 29.01.2027 11:00 – 22:00 finals

Semifinals, masterclasses and finals are public and will be held at Music Centre De Bijloke in Ghent

Big Little Music Competition: halve finale

Thu 28 Jan 10:00 - 17:00

Reserve (free ticket)

Big Little Music Competition: finale

De vier finalisten geven het beste van zichzelf

Fri 29 Jan 19:00 - 22:00

Reserve (free ticket)

Winners 2026 edition

Zoom in

Dokwerk Saxophone Quartet

The jury prize at the Big Little Music Competition 2026 went to the Dokwerk Saxophone Quartet. Anneleen Lenaerts: ‘After a fantastic two days featuring eight wonderful ensembles, we are delighted to announce Dokwerk as the winner of this third Big Little Music Competition. They impressed us with their clear sound and identity, and a compelling musical narrative.’

Zoom in

Les 4 Sens

The Belgian quartet Les 4 Sens received the most votes from the audience and took home the vdk bank Audience Award, worth €2,500. Their recital, which focused on 20th-century music, stood out for its stunning Yves Klein blue costumes and the staging, in which the four members moved around the room whilst singing.

Questions?

Liesbeth Peelman | programmer young audiences; coordinator talent & development
Dominique Van Hof | coordinator Big Little Music Competition
E - blmcompetition@debijloke.be

with the support of vdk bank and MIM Brussel